2025 CPT code 76706
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Ultrasound Feed
Ultrasound screening of the abdominal aorta for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Modifiers 26 (Professional Component) and TC (Technical Component) can be applied to this code.
Medical necessity for this code is met if the patient meets Medicare's criteria for a one-time AAA screening, which include being a male aged 65-75 with a history of smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime or having a family history of AAA.
The physician or ultrasound technician performs the procedure, applying gel to the patient's abdomen and using a transducer to obtain images of the abdominal aorta. They interpret the images to assess for the presence of an AAA.
In simple words: This is a quick and painless ultrasound scan of the main artery in your belly, used to check for a bulge called an aneurysm.An aneurysm is a weak spot in the artery wall that can be dangerous if it bursts.
Ultrasound, abdominal aorta, real time with image documentation, screening study for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Example 1: A 68-year-old male patient with a history of smoking 100 cigarettes in his lifetime is referred for a one-time AAA screening., A 70-year-old female patient with a family history of AAA is referred for a one-time screening., A 65-year-old male patient without any known risk factors, besides being male and 65 years of age, desires an AAA screening and agrees to pay cash since he doesn't meet Medicare criteria.
Documentation should include an order from the referring provider for AAA screening, risk factors for AAA (family history, smoking history, other risk factors), real-time ultrasound images of the abdominal aorta, and a written report interpreting the findings.
** Medicare covers this screening once in a lifetime for eligible beneficiaries. Payment and coinsurance are waived for this code when billed for screening purposes. Always check with individual payers for specific coverage policies.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable if only the technical component of the service is being billed.
- Specialties:Radiology, Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, Primary Care
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic, Mobile Unit